The Saudi Ministry of Culture signed an agreement with the entertainment group Cirque du Soleil to enhance cooperation between the two and enable the world-renowned circus to present its creative performances in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by the Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and Gabriel de Alba, the Co-Chairman of the Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, during their meeting in New York City.
As per this agreement, the Cirque du Soleil group will perform its famous shows for the first time in Saudi Arabia, including a number of touring shows: The Illusionist, Now You See Me, Paw Patrol Live, Race to Rescue, and Trolls Live!, as well as the Blue Man Group’s world tour.
The agreement also stipulates that the two parties’ development of plans to establish a Cirque du Soleil academy and regional office to provide top-tier educational programs led by renowned international specialists and experts.
Students from all over Saudi Arabia, as well as the rest of the world, will have the opportunity to hone their performing skills through advanced education and training programs, international school exchange programs in circuses, residency programs and internationally-recognized certificates.
It is worth noting that Cirque du Soleil entertainment group has performed six shows in Saudi Arabia since 2018, the last of which was, "Messi 10", which was held last November during the Riyadh Season.
This latest deal arrives amid massive changes in the performing arts scene in Saudi Arabia since the establishment of the Ministry of Culture and the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, which announced, in 2021, its strategy to develop the sector through plans to develop theater and performing arts infrastructure, create job opportunities, build partnerships, provide educational and capacity-building opportunities for 4,500 playwrights, and receive 4,000 male and female trainees by 2030.
